-Sadie had to take a reading test yesterday. She said she "killed" it. She says that probably by the end of the school year she should be able to read Harry Potter all by herself. She is 6 and has some seriously lofty goals. Love that girl. I am also thankful that when she decided to make up and sing a song where the only words were "My tooter and my hooter" repeated over and over, that we were not in public.

-I think maybe that I should start packing today.

-I went to Target yesterday and bought one of everything in the travel size aisle. The older gentleman that checked me out, asked me where I was going. I told him I was going to Congo. His response-" They (I am assuming he meant the military) tried to send me there in the sixties and I told them 'no way'. They're killing people over there! They're still killing people over there aren't' they?" Dude- thanks for the reminder. All I wanted was to buy my travel size shampoo.

-I am loaded down to the gills with anti-fungals and anti-scabies medications but I am soooooo hoping baby boy won't need it!

-I am a little nervous about the lack of diet Pepsi in DRC. I may have to just live off of Excedrin.

-I am also nervous about the critters that will be living with me in Congo. There are rats and creepy crawlies in the Methodist Presbyterian House where I will be staying. I have been instructed to make sure and pull my bed several inches away from the wall for good measure. It makes my heart race just thinking about it.

-I got a copy of Miles' passport photo yesterday. It is the first photo we've seen of him straight on and it makes him look very different- except for the same sad eyes that break my heart every time I see them.

-I don't think that I've ever bought any baby stuff new. I am the queen of yard sales, eBay and consignment stores. However- with Miles, I just don't feel like I need all the stuff. He's lived this long without it all. All his hand-me-downs are in the closet looking super cute (thanks Crystal!!!) BUT I did splurge on one item for sweet little Miles. I have never had a baby sling for either of my other kids. I know that this is how Miles has been carried around his whole life, so I really wanted to continue that for him. I felt like it was the one thing I could do for him to try to provide some continuity. This was insanely important to me, so I sprung for a super good sling. I bought the baby k'tan, which I heard rave reviews about. I think I am going to LOVE it However- upon getting home with this sling, I have decided that it is the most complicated piece of machinery I have ever owned! Not to mention I had to go to a boutique store to buy it where the diaper bags cost $200 and the baby blankets were $75!!! Holy cow! Seriously- who buys this stuff? Do they not know there are starving children in the world?

- We are having some gorgeous snow this morning. It is perfect for snowman building, which we plan to do this afternoon.

-Sadie told me yesterday that when she grows up she wants to be a teacher. I am so grateful for the teachers she has had this year- they have been such a positive light in her life.

-Noah says that when he grows up he wants to be Sadie. I think when I grow up, I want to be Sadie, too.

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